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With The Highest Murder Rate In The U.S., Puerto Rico Needs Immediate Solutions
Puerto Rico Herald ^ | 1/20/2005 | TAINA ROSA

Posted on 02/03/2005 8:51:59 AM PST by KwasiOwusu

If you asked anyone in Puerto Rico what the No. 1 problem on the island is, they more than likely would respond without hesitation, crime. The fact is more murders occur in Puerto Rico than anywhere in the mainland U.S., according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Once again, Puerto Rico–with a population of 4 million–ended the year with an alarming homicide rate, higher than the three-largest cities in the mainland U.S. With 790 murders reported during 2004, the island had a higher murder rate than New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

For the third-consecutive year, the number of murders in New York City (total population 8 million) has been under 600, ending 2004 with 571 murders, 25 less than in 2003. Los Angeles (total population 4 million) reported 511 murders and, for the first time in four decades, Chicago’s (total population 3 million) homicide rate fell below 500 to 445, a 25% decrease compared to 2003.

Puerto Rico’s mean homicide rate is three times that of the total U.S. mainland and four times that of Europe. More than 60% of homicides on the island are linked to drug trafficking although sources within the Puerto Rico Police Department say the percentage may be as high as 75%.

(Excerpt) Read more at puertorico-herald.org ...


TOPICS: Crime/Corruption; Foreign Affairs; Government; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: crime; puertorico
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To: Hu Gadarn
[i]Puerto Rico is a pretty island.... But you cant get out of your car there or you get mugged.... They get no sympathy from me. They have been taking benefits from us like Social security, Welfare and the like and not paying one dime into the system they are taking from. Cut em loose or make them a state. If you cut them loose... they are on their own. If they become a state... well then I guess we can help. Until they make the next step to hell with them.[/i]

Hi Hu Gadarn

The only federal taxes not paid by Puerto Rico are Federal Income taxes. This is because Puerto Rico has no representation in the House or Senate in Washington. It's the whole "No taxation without representation" thing only backwards. Puerto Rico has no representation at the Federal Government level, therefore they pay no taxes to the Federal Government.

They do however, pay Social Security and Medicare taxes just like everyone else in the USA. Come on now, have you ever known of a Washington politician who wouldn't take a dime when he was able to? lol!

Best Regards

Sergio
41 posted on 02/03/2005 10:54:35 AM PST by Sergio (If a tree fell on a mime in the forest, would he make a sound?)
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To: KwasiOwusu

Doesn't Puerto Rico have strict gun control?


42 posted on 02/03/2005 10:59:00 AM PST by Tribune7
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To: Sergio

Thank you for your service and ignore the a-holes.


43 posted on 02/03/2005 11:01:39 AM PST by Tribune7
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To: RKV; Sergio

If I may, the murder rate is directly related to the drug trade. The drug trade here is linked to the mainland drug trade. Demand is the problem. As long as demand for drugs exist both here and on the mainland, suppliers will find a way to get it into the country, and kill for their turf in the trade. The only way to reduce demand is through education and strong families and faith, in no particular order.


44 posted on 02/03/2005 11:03:24 AM PST by cll
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To: nikos1121

It sounds like another island paradise, Jamaica. I was there in June in 1990 and the murder rate in Kingston alone was already at 700 people


45 posted on 02/03/2005 11:06:25 AM PST by John Lenin
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To: RKV
Hi RKV

Thanks for the kind words and support. I don't believe the comments were intentionally cruel. Let's face it, unless you've lived on the island for a few years, it's hard to know what's going on. Especially if all the information you get is from as reliable a source as the MSM.

As to what to do to fix the problem, well, if I knew that, I'd be much smarter than what I am today.

My belief is that you would pretty much have to start from scratch.

Create a Justice system that has no revolving doors. Have Cops that the people can respect and that the criminals fear. Have moral politicians that truly care about what is best for the people they represent, rather than how much money they can get out of the government coffers, and how to stay in power so they can continue to do so. Make it a sign of manhood that a father makes himself responsible for his children and the mother of his children. Create an atmosphere where when an older persons scolds someone, that person feels shame, rather than the urge to just "beat the old geezer up".

How do we do that? Like I said, it would take someone much smarter than me to figure it out.

Best Regards

Sergio
46 posted on 02/03/2005 11:07:50 AM PST by Sergio (If a tree fell on a mime in the forest, would he make a sound?)
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To: cll

In my libertarian moments (and I have those every once in a while), I do wonder what whether legalization would help (in net). It appears to me that the cure for our drug problems (more intrusive law enforcement) is worse than the disease. If you take organized crime out of the picture by legalization then prices fall as does the need for crime to pay inflated prices (and there is no need for turf wars either). Yes some people will be hurt by legalization - but mainly the hurt will be born by those who make bad choices, not by those who just happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. And yes, it should still be illegal to endanger others through your behavior (as in driving while high or drunk). My 2 cents.


47 posted on 02/03/2005 11:15:49 AM PST by RKV ( He who has the guns, makes the rules.)
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To: KwasiOwusu

BTTT


48 posted on 02/03/2005 11:17:14 AM PST by Fiddlstix (This Tagline for sale. (Presented by TagLines R US))
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To: KwasiOwusu

"Puerto Rico Needs Immediate Solutions"


They could try simply being civil to each other.


49 posted on 02/03/2005 11:22:30 AM PST by shellshocked
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To: Fiddlstix

Ping for HTML training tonight. Thanks.


50 posted on 02/03/2005 11:23:45 AM PST by cll
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To: Redbob
Reason No. 483 not to let Puerto Rico become a U.S. state:
we don't need 2 more Dimocratic Senators.

The Y2K Census data provides us the following information:

Puerto Rico..............3,808,610
Oklahoma.................3,450,654
Oregon.....................3,421,399
Connecticut..............3,405,565
Iowa.........................2,926,324
Mississippi................2,844,658
Kansas.....................2,688,418
Utah.........................2,233,169
Nevada.....................1,998,257
New Mexico..............1,819,046
West Virginia............1,808,344
Nebraska..................1,711,263
Idaho........................1,293,953
Maine.......................1,274,923
New Hampshire.........1,235,786
Hawaii......................1,211,537
Rhode Island.............1,048,319
Delaware.....................783,600
South Dakota...............754,844
North Dakota................642,200
Vermont.......................608,827
District of Columbia.......572,059
Wyoming......................493,782

If Puerto Ricans desire statehood status, it should be granted to them. Afterall, they ARE American citizens.

51 posted on 02/03/2005 11:32:01 AM PST by Willie Green (Go Pat Go!!!)
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To: RKV
Hello RKV

The solution to the drug problem. . .first, make it legal...now wait a minute...second create a government in charge of sales and distribution of the drugs!

It's brilliant! Have you ever seen a government program that didn't run itself into the ground. People will stop using drugs just out of sheer frustration of having to deal with the bureaucracy.

While the above was said in jest, I have to wonder if just might work.

Best Regards

Sergio
52 posted on 02/03/2005 11:35:54 AM PST by Sergio (If a tree fell on a mime in the forest, would he make a sound?)
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To: Tribune7
[i]"Thank you for your service and ignore the a-holes.
"[/i]

Hello Tribune7

I appreciate the sentiment, but no thanks are necessary. It was truly and honor to serve. With the exception of the birth of our daughter, nothing I have done since has been as important or satisfying.

As I mentioned earlier, I don't think anyone on this forum is intentionally rude. My belief is that folks just haven't been provided the information needed, and that's not gonna happen if we just ignore the comment.

Best Regards

Sergio
53 posted on 02/03/2005 11:44:09 AM PST by Sergio (If a tree fell on a mime in the forest, would he make a sound?)
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To: Sergio
The solution to the drug problem. . .first, make it legal...now wait a minute...second create a government in charge of sales and distribution of the drugs!

How about this -- make it legal to use but give standing to family (including parents) and third party community groups to sue those whose distribution of drugs cause damage.

54 posted on 02/03/2005 11:57:21 AM PST by Tribune7
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To: cll; All
Ping for HTML training tonight. Thanks.

You're welcome J

Since we have a lot of new Freepers these days......
I'll post this you those who need the help......

HTML Help Threads & Other Info for Newbies
(And Anyone Else Who Needs It)




55 posted on 02/03/2005 12:21:36 PM PST by Fiddlstix (This Tagline for sale. (Presented by TagLines R US))
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To: Fiddlstix
Hi Fiddlstix

I may have been around FR for a few years and don't really qualify as a newbie, but I know that the help you are offering is meant for me. Thanks for posting. Appreciate the links. Hopefully, you'll see an improvement in posts as well.

Best Regards

Sergio
56 posted on 02/04/2005 10:51:54 AM PST by Sergio (If a tree fell on a mime in the forest, would he make a sound?)
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To: Sergio
Always happy to help J
57 posted on 02/04/2005 11:01:39 AM PST by Fiddlstix (This Tagline for sale. (Presented by TagLines R US))
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To: Sergio
Uncalled for. There are a lot of good people on the island, and many from the island who have given their lives for the United States of America in WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, GWI, Bosnia, and now in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Just had to pipe in here and add Operation El Dorado (1986)Canyon to your list in honor of Maj. Ribas. I never forgot this story.-----------------

Capt. Ribas-Dominicci was one of the pilots who participated in the Libyan air raid. His F-111F was shot down in action over the disputed Gulf of Sidra off the Libyan coast. Ribas-Dominicci and his weapons systems officer, Capt. Paul F. Laurence, were the only U.S. casualties of Operation El Dorado Canyon.

Major Fernando L. Ribas-Dominicci was born in Utuado, Puerto Rico. In 1983, while holding the rank of Captain, he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal. In 1985 he completed his master's degree in aeronautical science at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Bunnell, Florida, USA.

58 posted on 02/04/2005 11:24:50 AM PST by Solon
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To: Solon

Hi Solon

I had forgotten about that, thanks for the reminder. Proves the point I was trying to make, there is greatness and depravity in every country, race, and gender.

Best Regards

Sergio


59 posted on 02/04/2005 2:22:32 PM PST by Sergio (If a tree fell on a mime in the forest, would he make a sound?)
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To: nikos1121

Arm all non-felons over the age of 21. Problem solved


60 posted on 02/04/2005 2:24:13 PM PST by muir_redwoods
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